Nicholas Payton XXX with Vicente Archer, Henry Cole, Daniel Sadownick

Since 1994 Nicholas Payton has been lauded as one of the leading young instrumental voices in jazz. Even though he started out as a "young lion" -- a guardian of the swing and bebop flames -- Payton has devoted himself to discovering sounds outside of traditional confines. Having grown up in a family and community of musicians in New Orleans, Payton has since built his unique voice by melding a post-bop foundation, a heavy emphasis on groove, a soulful history and various experimental elements. Payton's XXX showcases the leader's prowess on trumpet, piano, Fender Rhodes and vocals along with bassist Vicente Archer, drummer Henry Cole and percussionist Daniel Sadownick. It's been described as "Soulful, pensive and romantic."